KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey has said that efforts are underway to make Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) more systematic and efficient.
Speaking at a meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee under the House of Representatives at Singha Durbar today, Minister Pandey said that the airport service improvement plan is being implemented.
“We are taking concrete steps to streamline operations at TIA. A structured program has been introduced to upgrade airport equipment and enhance service efficiency,” he said.
“Since multiple stakeholders—including immigration, customs, security agencies, and airlines—operate at the airport, a committee has been formed under the leadership of the airport’s general manager to draft a reform action plan ensuring representation from all sides. The ministry will soon present the committee’s report and continue to work towards service improvements.”
Minister Pandey noted that the airport’s limited area poses challenges in managing passengers and services.
“TIA is relatively small compared to international standards. The terminal infrastructure is inadequate, and due to space constraints, passengers quickly reach the terminal but often wait longer for their luggage. In contrast, at other airports, the walk from the plane to the terminal takes longer, creating a different perception of waiting time,” he explained.
He also informed that while TIA has a designed capacity of 4.5 million passengers annually, it has already handled 9.5 million passengers this year. Despite operating beyond its capacity, efforts are ongoing to improve the airport’s services and ensure smoother operations.
Minister Pandey expressed hope that coordination with the Chinese Embassy via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would help simplify the visa process for pilgrims traveling to Mansarovar.
During the meeting, the committee also discussed the Air Services Authority Bill, 2081, along with proposed amendments. The bill’s drafters stressed the importance of strengthening legal frameworks to ensure a safe, reliable, and systematic aviation sector in Nepal.
MPs Bhanubhakta Joshi, Sher Bahadur Kunwar, and Prakash Jwala underscored the need to enhance the bill to improve air service safety. MP Roshan Karki highlighted the bill’s urgency and called for its timely finalization.
MP Prem Suwal emphasized the importance of improving Nepal Airlines Corporation and constructing a well-equipped international airport.
MP Eknath Dhakal urged the ministry to make TIA more organized, accessible, safe, and passenger-friendly.
MP Shishir Khanal requested the minister to expedite the visa process for Mansarovar pilgrims, noting that many foreign nationals are currently stranded in hotels due to delays.
MPs Prabhu Sah, Dr. Amaresh Kumar Singh, and others also provided feedback on additional points that should be addressed in the bill.
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